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President Bola Tinubu has expressed grief over the crash of a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State on Monday morning.
Daily Sun earlier reported that the aircraft was on a routine flight from Benin to Lagos when it crashed near a naval base in Igbokoda.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu extended his condolences to the families of the 25 passengers and seven crew members involved in the accident.
He also commiserated with the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, as well as officers, airmen and airwomen of the Nigerian Air Force.
“This is a painful moment for our Armed Forces and for the entire nation. Our Air Force personnel put their lives on the line every day to secure Nigeria. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten,” Tinubu said.
The president said the Chief of the Air Staff had briefed him on the incident and directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately launch a comprehensive investigation into the cause of the crash.
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According to him, the investigation is necessary to establish what led to the accident and help prevent similar incidents in the future.
Tinubu also commended the Nigerian Air Force for promptly activating search and rescue operations following the crash.
He praised the first responders and the Ondo State Government for their swift intervention at the scene of the accident.
“I pray for the repose of the souls of the gallant officers and for Almighty God to grant their families and the Nigerian Air Force the fortitude to bear the unfortunate loss,” the president said.
Tinubu further assured the Nigerian Air Force of his administration’s continued support as the service carries out its responsibilities in protecting the country.
The cause of the crash has not been established, pending the outcome of the investigation ordered by the president.
